While becoming an RN requires a bachelor’s degree, becoming a CNA only requires a state-approved certification program and pass a test. Most of these programs only take a year.

And if you want to become a Registered Nurse later on, many nursing programs will allow you to transfer credit hours from your CNA certification.

CNA requirements vary per state, so look into what is needed in your state.

2. Home Health Aide

If you love helping people but could do without all the stress and sterility of a hospital, you might want to become a home health aide.

Many terminal, disabled, or elderly patients choose to receive hospice care at home instead of in a hospital. They are visited daily by home health aides to administer medication, check vitals, and simply keep them company.

As a home health aide, you may also perform housekeeping duties such as sweeping or laundry. You may also take the patients for a walk so they can get some fresh air.

Unlike many other entry-level healthcare jobs, becoming a home health aide requires no certification or degree. Most employers provide on-the-job training.

Home health aides are in very high demand, which is good news for the job seeker.

3. Physical Therapist Assistant

Hospice care is incredibly important. But if you are looking for constant optimism and progress, you’d best look somewhere else.

Like physical therapy, for instance.

Physical therapy is a very rewarding field. Physical therapists help patients overcome injury and disability. They help people take back control of their bodies and regain their health.

A physical therapist assistant is one of the most rewarding entry level healthcare jobs. As a PTA, you will track patients’ progress, help them use therapeutic equipment, and assist their movement.

As a physical therapist assistant, you may also fit patients with prosthetics, braces, or crutches.

To become a physical therapist assistant, you’ll need to obtain an associates degree and pass a licensing test. But it’s worth it: physical therapists make an average of $24 an hour, making it one of the most rewarding entry-level healthcare jobs.

4. Medical Assistant

The term “healthcare” conjures up images of hospitals and emergency rooms. But much of the industry is made up of family doctors and private practices.

These private practices lack the administrative oversight and red tape of large hospitals. Instead, the lead doctor calls all their own shots.

But just because a doctor works outside of a hospital doesn’t mean they have any more time for administrative and clerical duties. In fact, they often have less.

A medical assistant is an absolute necessity in a doctor’s office. Medical assistants greet patients, file paperwork, and schedule appointments. They may also coordinate service with external laboratories and perform some billing duties. It’s a similar set of duties to those of a dental assistant, too.

Medical assistants might even assist with the patients directly. They could take a patient’s pulse or blood pressure, get them ready for exams, or even assist the doctor with minor procedures.

And it’s not just family doctors who need medical assistants. This position is available in optometrist, podiatrist, or chiropractor offices, and many more.

Most medical assistant positions only require a high school diploma or equivalent. Most of the training is provided on the job.

5. Medical Billing and Coding

With all of the changes to healthcare and insurance over the last decade, communication between hospitals and insurance companies is more important than ever.

To increase this communication, the industry recently introduced a system of codes to ensure that patients and their insurance companies are billed for the proper things.

Each diagnosis or procedure is assigned a certain code so the insurance companies can easily assess the patient’s situation. There are three sets of codes that are used across the industry: HCPCS, CPT, and ICD-10.

However, many doctors don’t have the time to trudge through their reports and assign these codes themselves. Instead, they outsource that role to specialized data-entry workers.

Many of these positions even allow you to work from home, which makes it perfect for anyone who needs a flexible schedule. The pay is also quite competitive. Many people in this position make $18/hr or more.

Medical coding jobs typically don’t require a college degree either. There are some certifications you can earn to make yourself a more attractive candidate, but they are not required.

Find Entry Level Healthcare Jobs

With fast-paced and rewarding work, there’s nowhere like the healthcare industry for dedicated, passionate professionals who love helping people.

And there’s no time like now to jump into the industry.

Use our online ads to find entry-level healthcare jobs all over the world.